Only yesterday, I attended a time of reflection on dark times. Some call what is happening in our country the loss of democracy, the darkness being a tomb for all that we cherish. Others see the current conditions as a womb and that something new will be born. I think I see it as both things, womb and tomb. Most importantly, I do not believe that hope is wishful thinking that things will get better. Rather, “Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up!” beautifully said by David Orr, a Professor of Environmental Studies. Each Sunday when the congregation is dismissed into the world to go forth in the name of Christ, it is an invitation to go forth with one’s sleeves rolled up to follow where the Spirit leads.
As the Episcopal college chaplain at San Jose State University, I serve on the Emergency Crisis and Rescue Team (ECRT) along with other dedicated people in the university system. All universities are facing serious cuts to federal funding that have been the source of Pell grants, students loans, and important research programs to name a few. Although 90% of university support comes from the state, the 10% received from the federal government is a resource for the most marginalized students who depend on financial aid.
Federal Title I that supplements State and local funding for high-poverty schools to support low achieving children or children with disabilities with special programs to assist them in achieving academic standards is threatened. Head Start programs for the time being are not on the federal budget chopping block giving over 1600 Head Start providers a sigh relief for now. K-12 funding has been threatened from schools and colleges that do not abandon “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) programs or schools and universities that allow transgender people to play sports on teams that align with their gender identity. The list goes on.
Instead of sighing “ain’t it awful”, the better focus is to roll up our sleeves and see what is out there that individuals can do to be a blessing:
 Volunteer at your local library to support programs for children and teens
 Consider teaching computer skills or English as a second language
to disadvantaged children and adults
 Support your local food banks and missions e.g. Santa Maria Urban Mission, Sacred
Heart Community Services or your church food pantry
 Become a tutor at the local high school
 Check into the Foster Grandparents Program and become a mentor for a child that needs encouragement
The members of our congregations are rich with talent and experience that can help offset some of the concerns we are facing. It is time to go forth! It is time not to despair but to be a blessing anyway and every way we can.